Quick Answer
You can view some of the connections of other LinkedIn members, but you won’t be able to see all of their connections unless you are directly connected to them. LinkedIn limits how much network information you can view about other members as a way to respect privacy.
Explaining LinkedIn’s Connection Privacy Settings
LinkedIn gives members control over how much of their network is visible to others on the platform. By default, your connections are visible to other members, but you can adjust this in your privacy settings. There are three main connection visibility settings on LinkedIn:
Your Connections are Visible to Everyone
This is the default setting on LinkedIn. It allows any other member to see your connections in your profile. This setting makes it easy for new connections to see who you already know on LinkedIn.
Your Connections are Visible to Only Your Connections
This setting only allows your 1st-degree connections to see your connections list. Other members won’t be able to see who you are connected to. This prevents strangers from browsing your network.
Your Connections are Visible to Only You
The most private option is to make your connections visible only to yourself. No other members will be able to see any part of your connections list. This prevents your network from being accessed without your consent.
What Connections are Visible for Each Privacy Setting
The visibility settings impact how much of your connections list guests and other members can see:
Privacy Setting | What Guests Can See | What Other Members Can See |
---|---|---|
Connections Visible to Everyone (default) | Number of connections only | Full list of connections |
Connections Visible to Connections Only | Nothing | Full list of connections |
Connections Visible to Only You | Nothing | Nothing |
As you can see, the more restrictive the setting, the less that other people can see about your connections. Guests have the most limited view, while your own connections have the most access.
Seeing Someone’s Connections When You Aren’t Connected
If you aren’t connected to someone on LinkedIn, the most you can see is the number of connections they have in their profile. You won’t be able to browse their full list of connections.
You can send a connection request to connect directly and gain access to their list. However, they have the choice of whether to accept your request or not.
Some members choose to keep their connections completely private, which means you won’t see any information about their network, even if you are connected.
Strategies for Viewing Connections Lists
While you are limited in what connections you can see from public profiles, there are some ways to potentially view more of someone’s network on LinkedIn:
Connect Directly With Them
If you connect to another member directly, you can then view their full connections list if they have visibility set to “Connections Only” or “Everyone.” However, remember they have the choice of accepting your request.
See Mutual Connections
LinkedIn will show you mutual connections you share with other members, even if you aren’t connected. This allows you to browse a portion of their network.
Use Advanced Search Filters
Search filters like “2nd degree” and “Group Members” allow you to find connections of connections, which can expose parts of someone’s network.
Use Premium Subscriptions
Certain premium accounts like Recruiter or Sales Navigator provide more visibility into 3rd degree connections and expanded network views.
Use LinkedIn’s People Also Viewed
This section shows other profiles commonly viewed alongside the member you’re looking at, potentially surfacing connections.
Respecting Privacy Boundaries on LinkedIn
It’s important to remember that LinkedIn connections are intended for professional networking and should be approached with respect for people’s privacy boundaries:
– Don’t try to view someone’s connections for personal or malicious purposes. Stick to professional interests only.
– If someone restricts access to their connections, respect their privacy and don’t try to push past those limits.
– Don’t send unwanted connection requests just to access someone’s network. Only connect with those you have a legitimate professional interest in.
– Be transparent in your networking and explain how you found a potential new connection if it wasn’t directly facilitated by the member themselves.
Following these guidelines helps build trust, maintain your reputation, and cultivate a high-quality professional network on LinkedIn.
Conclusion
LinkedIn allows you to view certain connections of other members in order to facilitate professional networking opportunities. However, you won’t have full visibility into someone’s connections unless they have a public setting or you are connected directly. Always be respectful of people’s privacy settings and network appropriately within the platform’s intended professional purposes. With open communication and transparency, you can build an ethical and mutually beneficial LinkedIn network.